East Winds St. Lucia- All Inclusive

We spent a week here after spending a week in another hotel on the south of the island. There was a completely different vibe at East Winds - very peaceful and relaxing. As mentioned in other reviews, the clientele is mostly retired British couples. In our late 50s, we considered ourselves to be younger than many of the other guests. There were however a few much younger couples including one on honeymoon, who, despite the obvious age gap, appeared to be having a great time. The other young couple, we heard were influencers, invited there by management. The hotel has very recently refurbed and the furniture and soft furnishings are fresh and colourful. Sadly, the old furniture is currently being stored in the gym meaning the gym is out of action. We had the sense the hotel is currently at a cross roads, negotiating which route to take for the future. Do they continue to cater for the retired Brits, many of whom come back year after year, and do not want the hotel to change or do they look to attract a new future client base?. To stay successful inevitably means a business has to evolve and adapt to changing customer needs. We, in our late 50’s, are the potential returning customer base of the future, but, like many of our age, we value our fitness and seek opportunities to exercise regularly, but with the gym closed and no exercise classes my only outlet was getting up early to swim lengths in the pool before the other guests were up. Some days I couldn’t even do this until after breakfast as the pool was ‘closed’. I would love to introduce my children (in their mid- late 20’s ) to this lovely hotel, but I know they too would want a working gym and/ or fitness classes to be available. The hotel could maintain its calm tranquillity at the same time as providing more opportunities for those who wish to exercise and this might attract a new customer base Positives Fresh Fruit and yogurts at breakfast with Lovely cappuccinos and lattes made to order Afternoon tea and cakes / biscuits served from 4-5pm Great bbq with local lobster as it was in season and a fun cocktail competition despite horrendous weather that evening Nikita ran the twice weekly pilates class - she just took one look at everyone and accurately diagnosed any joint issues - The Second time around, we were the only couple there so she focussed on our own particular strengths and weaknesses which was great Damien, Devon and Joe- the water sports staff- seemed happy to take us out on a hobie , wind permitting, in the morning if we asked them. This was a highlight for us Lovely beach- not long enough for taking walks along but lots of space for the hotel guests with enough loungers and plenty of shade and a nice and welcome breeze from the sea. Pool area with serve yourself bar. Pool big enough for swimming lengths in if desired Negatives First night- our dinner order had obviously been forgotten and we didn’t get any food served despite couples seated after us being serve

We have visited a number of Caribbean islands in the past but never found the perfect spot for a variety of reasons: tired hotel, poor service, poor food, bad value and unfriendly staff to name a few. Then we found East Winds where we are currently halfway through the perfect holiday: joyful staff, well appointed and tastefully done cottage, lovely beach with plenty of covered sun beds on the beach and by the outdoor pool, bars a plenty, excellent food in the characterful restaurant and some event on offer every evening. Trips to explore the island by land or sea are available and the twelve acres of gardens are a delight. This small boutique hotel best serves older couples who come for winter sun and to chill. The young would miss the lack of nightlife and walkers would find the size of the property somewhat limiting. The majority of guests are English and many are repeat visitors. For us this is heaven and we expect to thoroughly enjoy the rest of our ten days and hope to return next year.

East Winds Another good stay. Staff were lovely as always. Housekeeping ok but not quite as good as before Watersports amazing and built up my confidence further re sailing Food was good to excellent. Ivana kindly did a special 5 course meal for us which was lovely. We were also introduced to Junior who was doing the desserts. A very talented young man. Transport to and from the cricket well organised by Paul and East Winds great about giving us sandwiches and wine for our rooms so we could eat late when we got back. Lovely Houseparty atmosphere and fun guests. Have already booked for next year and looking forward to the tweaks and improvements .

One of the most lovely places I’ve stayed. Very welcoming and friendly. Loved the book library. Great yoga and pilates. Coolish pool which was lovely. Always a beach chair available. Enjoyed using a paddle board. Liked the in room mini-bar and champagne on arrival. They put taxis to and from the airports on my room and a transfer to and from the cricket which was handy to pay using a credit card. Be warned the taxis are very expensive. Take buses if you can. Only one power point in my room would charge my phone and the kettle only worked in one (other) power point.

Can’t fault anything! The team, the gardens, accommodation and attention to detail. The cottages are just stunning! I loved that the resort never felt overcrowded, it made it so much more relaxing. If you could make a plane that could get us there in an hour from the UK that would be the icing on the cake! 😂. We had a lovely Christmas with our girls and will treasure our memories and our cute Christmas gifts.

An excellent resort , very helpful and friendly staff , excellent cuisine. Impressive attention to detail . I think that the photo in the tripadvisor picture was taken front the beach front room where we stayed, most of the "rooms" are separate buildings in the grounds, not necessarily beachfront. We talked to fellow guests who included a number who were returning ( 8th stay in one case ) and we want to go back again, as soon as we find an alternative to the BA jumbo flight ( which I wouldn't recommend) . Some of the guests were happy to spend their time on the beach, we, and others , took advantage of the hotel's specialist trip organiser ( Simeon ) to arrange visits to experience different parts of St Lucia. Would definitely recommend Eat Winds.